Edo Election: Members of Obidient Movement Sold Their Votes, LP Candidate Akpata Laments

Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in the recently concluded Edo State election, has expressed disappointment, claiming that members of the Obidient Movement and his party sold their votes during the polls. Akpata made this revelation during a post-election interview on Channels TV, where he reflected on the factors contributing to his defeat.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) the winner of the election. Okpebholo secured 291,667 votes, defeating his closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who garnered 247,274 votes. Akpata, despite being a notable contender, finished a distant third with 22,763 votes.

Speaking on the outcome of the election, Akpata lamented that poverty and the influence of money were key factors in his defeat. He disclosed that many of his supporters, including members of the Obidient Movement—a core group of Labour Party loyalists—chose to sell their votes instead of supporting his candidacy.

“Some of my supporters stayed at home, but a large number of them sold their votes,” Akpata said. “What happened was a tragedy. We must move beyond focusing on me or the Labour Party and examine the electoral process itself. Even members of my party opted for cash. That was a major lesson for me—if you think you know the people, you may have to think again.”

Akpata’s reflections have brought attention to the broader issue of vote-buying in Nigerian elections, a problem that has plagued the nation’s electoral system for years. His statement underscores the challenge political candidates face in an environment where financial incentives often outweigh political loyalty or ideological commitment.

The Labour Party, which has been gaining momentum in national politics under the leadership of Peter Obi, has positioned itself as a movement of change. However, Akpata’s comments suggest internal weaknesses, with some members prioritizing short-term financial gains over the party’s long-term vision for governance.